What to pack for your trip to Peru

The climate of Peru is very diverse and it depends whether you travel on the coast or in the mountains at high altitude. In the Andean highlands the annual average is below 0°C while along the coast in the North the summer temperatures can get into the high 30°C's. Precipitation varies in different scales and has a marked seasonality. The rainy season starts in September but peaks between January and March.

Functional clothing. If you are planning to visit the Andean highlands outside the warm summer months, functional clothing is key for enjoying and being safe in the outdoors. In addition, you should pack thermal underwear (preferably wool), breathable layer clothing, plenty of socks (again, preferably wool, rather than cotton or synthetic), and a warm hat. Swedish functional clothing specialist Odlo has a great line of clothing products for the icy outdoors.

Shoes that withstand the mud. Peru is a hiking Mecca! Since the weather is quite unpredictable all year round, it might be a good idea to pack a not-too-bulky pair of trail runners, such as Saucony’s Peregrine 7 for men or women, that hold up well on wet and dry ground.

All-weather gear. During the warmer season, be prepared for rainy and windy conditions. Ideal are lightweight hoodies like the highly weatherproof Arc'teryx Squamish jacket, which is breathable, too — handy for when the weather clears up again. Tuck a good (but compact) umbrella, like Repel's Windproof Travel Umbrella with Teflon Coating, into your bag, in case of a real downpour.

Power adapter and charger. In Peru the power sockets are of type A and C. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. Type A and C power adapters are included in this world adapter set from Bestek, and a multiport charger, like Anker’s compact Powerport 4.

Packing cubes. They not only keep your suitcase organized, but also compact your clothes to save space. One of frequent travellers'favorites are Eagle Creek‘s Pack-It cubes, which come in different sizes so you can tailor your setup to your needs.

Check out Lonely Planet's Peru Travel Guide with advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Trek the ancient Inca trail, puzzle over the mystery of the Nasca lines, wander the stone temples of Machu Picchu or indulge in local delicacies in Lima.

Also check out the official Peru Tourism website with lots of useful information.